5 Anime That Need a Next-Gen Upgrade
April 25, 2010
by: Matt E.
Anime and videogames have had a sordid history. For every one game that does the Anime right, there are ten that absolutely murder it. While it’s true that Anime fans will likely buy any game based on their favorite series, games like Dynasty Warriors Gundam aren’t doing the genre any favors. A properly made Anime based game needs to hit all the sweet spots of the series. Simply licensing the title and slapping 10 of the most popular characters won’t cut it. Instead, developers need to focus on the story and overall theme of the Anime, which is a feat few have managed.
While a few Anime based games have have released to applause in the US, Japanese gamers have a plethora to choose from. Here is a list of 5 Anime that I think would make for great next-gen videogames.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing
Is it too much to ask for a good Gundam game to come to the states? We get stuck with games like “Side Story” for the Dreamcast, or “Crossfire” for the PS3, while Japanese gamers get gems like A.C.E (ok, so A.C.E isn’t strictly a Gundam game, but it damn well should be). If I buy a game that says Gundam in the title, I damn well expect to be piloting one. Don’t put me is some garbage mobile suit to trod along on the ground like a newb. I expect to be flying, or at least bursting.
Gundam Wing is arguably one of the best of the Gundam series. The plot is as convoluted as other Gundam series, but from my experience the easiest to follow. While the story may not make all that much sense, there is no arguing that the animation is stellar.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing featured some of the best battles the series has ever seen. Who can forget watching Wing Zero and Epyon battling it in space overlooking Earth? Needless to say, US Gundam fans have gotten shit when it comes to Gundam videogames.
You know what, just give me A.C.E. 3 and I’ll be happy.
Bleach
Viz Media’s popular tale of Soul Reapers and Hollows has had a few videogame adaptations, none of which were any good. Instead of the obligatory cell shaded fighter, Bleach should incorporate the Next Gen consoles new motion sensing technology. Nintendo, Sony, I'm looking at you.
Imagine a first person action game where sword swinging movements made by the player were carried out on screen. Viciously swinging your Zampakto with your right hand while shooting off kido with your left at a screen full of enemies sounds like my kind of game. Taking control of Ichigo Kurosaki as he unleashes his bankai against hordes of hollow or espada would be amazing with the Wiimote or PS3 move.
Outlaw Star
This sci-fi anime is ripe pickings for a videogame. Gene Starwind and Jim Hawking are two bounty hunters on the backwater planet of Sentinel 3. After a run of the mill escort job runs them afoul of the Kei Pirates, they find their rather uneventful lives drastically changed.
Who wouldn’t love to take control of Gene Starwind as he traverses the universe looking for the Galactic Leyline? Throw Jim Hawking, Melfina, and the XGP in the mix and you have a backbone for a videogame that would truly kickass.
Outlaw Star screams sci-fi first person shooter. Imagine taking out those nasty Kei pirates with the help of a few trusty caster shells. Add in some space grappler battles courtesy of the XGP and consider me sold. Just thinking about the potential boss battles has me more excited than a Ctarl-Ctarl at an all you can eat buffet.
If you’re not familiar with Outlaw Star, take a look at the video below. Courtesy of Toonami (when they actually showed anime) the video gives a pretty good overview of the series.